Rapid tests make diagnosis of Hepatitis C more accessible and closer to the community, study finds

Press release issued: 25 January 2023

A new study has shown the benefit of using a quick clinic-based diagnostic test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection over a standard laboratory-based test. The findings from the study has led to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommending the adoption of the point-of-care (POC) HCV test.

The findings from the study has led to recent WHO recommendations for adoption of POC HCV viral load testing as an alternative approach to laboratory-based platforms for diagnosing HCV infection and speeding up starting treatment for the infection.

This recommendation complements other recent WHO recommendations in the same updated guidance for HCV diagnosis and treatment that promotes radical simplification of service delivery and task-sharing of testing and treatment to nurses and non-specialist doctors.

'Impact of hepatitis C virus point-of-care RNA viral load testing compared with laboratory-based testing on uptake of RNA testing and treatment, and turnaround times: a systematic review and meta-analysis' by Adam Trickey, Emmanuel Fajardo, Daniel Alemu, Andreea Adelina Artenie, Philippa Easterbrook in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Read the full University of Bristol press release